From apizza to lobster rolls, Connecticut is home to various types of restaurants and, yet again, Connecticut Magazine's contributing food experts have shared their favorite eateries in the Nutmeg State for the Connecticut Magazine's Top Restaurants for 2025 list.
Experts have named restaurants in dozens of categories, from top cuisine (American, Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Middle Eastern, vegetarian, etc.) to outstanding appetizers and desserts, romantic ambiance, beer and wine selections and the best places to grab a burger.
Here, explore the top restaurants in the Naugatuck Valley. For those looking for something new to try, Connecticut Magazine experts also shared their picks for the 34 Top New Restaurants in Connecticut.
Scroll below to see which eateries in the Naugatuck Valley were named as the top restaurants by Connecticut Magazine experts.
Appetizers
690 Main St., Southbury, 203-405-6698; 785 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, 203-587-4072
Burgers
506 Main St. S. Woodbury, 203-405-3735
Diners, Breakfast
544 Main St., Southbury, 203-264-8218
Beer Selection
77 Sodom Lane, Derby, 203-734-1616
Chicken wings
25 North Ave., Derby, 203-735-7757
Beer Selection
7 Fox Hollow Road, Oxford, 203-295-2831
Thai
385 Main St. S., Southbury, 203-405-6688
Vegetarian/vegan
200 Main St., Oxford, 203-828-6316
Deli/sandwich shops
1625 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, 203-527-7403; 316 Main St. S., Southbury, 203-262-4110
Deli/sandwich shops
110 Commerce Drive, Shelton, 203-712-7350
Latin/Caribbean
702 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, 203-513-8775
Lunch, New American
693 S. Main St., Woodbury, 203-263-0188
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and Greek
130 Scott Road, Waterbury, 203-527-4408
Mediterranean/Middle Eastern and Greek
586 Plank Road, Waterbury, 203-591-8450
Pizza
130 Reidville Drive, Waterbury, 475-235-2145
Pizza
3 Brook St., Waterbury, 203-753-3401
Outdoor Dining
777 Echo Lake Road, Watertown, 860-417-3104
Hidden Gems
752 Highland Ave., Waterbury, 203-574-5300
Hot Dogs
2200 Waterbury Road, Cheshire, 203-699-1819
Hot Dogs
464 Reidville Drive, Waterbury, 203-757-9700
Outdoor Dining, Wine Selection
1721 Highland Ave., Cheshire, 203-439-2727
Sweet and Desserts
159 Manor Ave., Waterbury, 203-755-3804
Tacos
836 E. Main St., Waterbury, 203-910-9432